In the bustling world of the Johannesburg People’s Theatre, a young star is shining bright. Kiran Moodley, a Grade 5 student at Crawford International Sandton Preparatory, has taken the lead role of Pinocchio in “Disney’s My Son Pinocchio”. His stellar performance has not only captured the hearts of audiences but also garnered immense pride from his school community, with Grade 5 students rallying to support him at the show. Reflecting on his journey, Kiran shares his passion for acting, starting with a spark ignited during a visit to watch “Shrek, the musical”. “I’ve always enjoyed acting and drama,” he says. “Seeing the kids having fun on stage made me realize I could do it too.” With determination, he nudged his parents to explore avenues for him to pursue his newfound passion.

Transitioning from spectator to performer, Kiran recalls his first steps onto the set of “Disney’s My Son Pinocchio” with a mix of nerves and excitement. “I was nervous but very excited to see the set and get started,” he admits. His enthusiasm for the craft shines through as he describes the joy of performing on stage. “I love entertaining the audience,” he adds with a smile.

Luciano Zuppa

While Kiran doesn’t have a specific actor he looks up to, he finds inspiration in his co-stars, particularly Lesedi, who portrays the fox in the show. “Lesedi Mpshe’s dedication to acting despite challenges is admirable,” Kiran remarks. “He’s good at playing different characters, which motivates me to improve.” Balancing school and acting has been a demanding feat for Kiran. Late-night study sessions became the norm as he juggled schoolwork with memorizing lines and choreography. “It’s been difficult, but it taught me discipline and hard work.”Navigating the challenges of the stage, Kiran emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and overcoming nerves. “During rehearsals, I paid close attention and took notes,” he explains. “Before performances, I take deep breaths and pray to calm my nerves.”

Amidst the rigors of rehearsals, there are moments of levity behind the scenes. Kiran fondly recalls a mishap during rehearsal when someone unwittingly belted out a Michael Jackson song with the microphone on, eliciting laughter from the cast.As he embarks on his acting journey, Kiran cherishes his role as Pinocchio, a character that will always hold a special place in his heart as his debut performance. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue honing his craft while indulging in his other passions, including drawing, gaming, reading, and karate.For those dreaming of treading the boards, Kiran offers sage advice: “Work hard and don’t give up. A quote I remind myself of is: ‘Success doesn’t come in an elevator; you have to climb the stairs.’ With his talent and tenacity, Kiran Moodley is undoubtedly a rising star to watch, illuminating the stage with his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication.

Kiran Moodley